As Gaeilge for the Little Ones

It’s Irish Book Week! From the 16th to the 23rd October, we’re looking at all the marvelous books the Irish publishing world has to offer. And while it isn’t limited to books in the Irish language, or to childrens’ books, for that matter, I wanted to give a big shout out for a few fabulous leabhar as gaeilge that are bound to encourage learning and using the “mother tongue” for little ones, their families, friends, school mates and old fusty grown-ups, like me.

My Little Album of Ireland by Juliette Saumande & Tarsila Kruse takes us on a jaunt all around Ireland to find new places and revisit some favourites, all the while learning new words in English and as gaeilge. You can dig for treasure, discover the wonders of Irelands’ natural world and her creatures, shop for some goodies in the Cork English Market…and join in a spooky Halloween Parade in Galway. There are sports events, myths and legends, farming competition, astronomical observations…and a little squirrel along for the journey who hopes you can help him spot his dhearcán! With beautiful, quirky, expressive illustrations, this one is a joy! What are you waiting for? (Brought to you by The O’Brien Press! ISBN: 9781788492195)

My First Irish Word Book/ Mo Chéad Leabhar Focal Gaeilge is simply perfect to introduce even the youngest children to the Irish language . It’s exactly what it says in the title; a book of more than 200 everyday words in Irish with the English translation right next to them. Bright, bold child-friendly pictures make everything clear and simple. And with a handy word list, pronunciation guide and a few basic grammar tips, you can’t go wrong! (Brought to you by Futa Fata; ISBN: 9781910945780)

And one more from Futa Fata, who have done a fantastic job sourcing many childrens’ favourites for translation. Take a close look. You know this one. It’s Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, now available as gaeilge! (And it’s joining 4 other Donaldson/Scheffler titles in translation!) Now known as Cá Bhfuil Mo Mham? (Where’s My Mum?) it’s the very same story and the very same illustrations young children have known and loved for years; a young monkey has lost track of his mother and sets off to find her, with a little ‘help’ from the other animals in the jungle. When familiar, beloved stories are available to children as geailge, it multiplies the excitement, curiosity and fun of speaking Irish. And makes it much easier to learn. (Futa Fata: ISBN 9781910945773)

So there you…a few leabhar as gaeilge, brought to you by a couple of brilliant Irish publishers. Later in the week, I’ll post a few of my non-Irish language Irish published and written books, but this will have to do for now. Enjoy! And Happy Irish Book Week, you guys.